14        A BUSINESS PROPOSAL OR A LUNCH DATE?

ILIYA NARA POV

"Sorry…."

"I missed it…"

I tilted my head and a slight frown appears on my forehead when I stared at her. My Aunt, Donna. The one who sat nicely in front of me while we both are finishing our breakfast. It was a peaceful morning for us. A rare occasion where we both are able to spend time together in solemn quietness like this as family members. Usually, either me or her who had left earlier and rushed for doing our routine. Now, she was staring back at me with an apologetic look.

"How was it going? The exhibition?"

She asked me again with a wry smile on her face. Gezzz… is this just my feeling or she suddenly looks much older already? Soft wrinkles and tiredness because of her fatigue were clearly seen on her face. I know she needs to work harder because my art school isn't cheap either.

"It was great, Auntie Donna. And I think I also have found a prospective buyer for my paintings already…."

I grinned widely because of excitement. Recalled my last meeting with the gorgeous buyer of mine and reassured her that I'm doing fine. Then, I slowly hold her hand in my grip.

"No worries, aunty. Once I made some fortunes, I'll make you retire as soon as possible. You don't have to work hard like this anymore…"

"Okay? I promise…"

I made a plea at her and I won't take it back. I stared at her intensely. Telling her that I'll keep my words for sure. A faint smile slowly crept on her lips while she rose up from her chair and tapped my shoulder tenderly.

"You're pretty much like my sister, Isha. Your mom. A kindhearted woman with the nicest smile that I have ever seen. You are also gifted and very talented like your dad. A perfect combination of their genes…."

She chuckled lightly and stroked my hair like she always did when I was a kid before. A form of a love of hers.

"Well…. Make it happen then. I'll be so happy to a boring lady at home who will be cooking and serving your meal whenever you come home. Ok?"

She planted a light kiss on my forehead and waved a goodbye afterward. Ready to start another day as she always does.

Once she left, a notification hit my phone. I checked it out instantly and a huge grin grew on my face.

"Dear Ms Iliya Nara, would you mind if I invite you for lunch today? Monav Mokshit =)"

My inner goddess spontaneously hopped in joyful mode when I saw the text. A lunch? Or should I call it a lunch date? With a smoking hot guy who turned out, he's my buyer as well. A freaking goddamnit handsome like a full-intact package that sent directly from heaven for me!!

Ok, I'm way over my head now…

People said that if something was too good to be true, there's probably something wrong with it…

But, you know what?

I don't care!! I don't fucking care!!

Because out of all miseries in my shorthand life, except for my aunt who this one considerably a blessing for me. A fortune like this was occasionally rarely happened in my life. A huge one indeed!!

Something that would turn around our table. Something that would make our life better financially. Then, maybe this is how the universe doing its payback time to our family after all the tribulation that we have been through so far.

How can I miss this?

.....................….

AZALEL POV

"And why has your mood is so sour lately, Aza?"

This is exactly the fourth time he asked me the same question today. Well, most of the time, my facial was expressionless. I rarely dealt with it because it wasn't necessary and radically illogical.

After I met her and got closer to that girl, everything changed. Especially after her rejection that day and I haven't contacted her since then.

Without any peculiar reason, I turned gloomy and grumpy. Don't get me wrong. I still can work normally but the problem is…

I can't get rid of her from my head. Everything about her driving me insane. I can't think straight anymore. It's like I'm having a new addiction. Her.

A sedative poison.

I can't stand a day without seeing her smile or laugh. I feel secure if I knew she was safe and doing fine. Even her scent comforts me well. Everything about her attached me to get closer to her.

What the hell is wrong with me, dude?

.....................…

"Are you thinking about her again, Aza?"

My eyes blinked and fluttered after Reuben blurted out that question. Again.

Shit! Don't say that he's reading my mind now?

"I don't have to. It was clearly seen in your face, Aza…"

Shit!!

I spontaneously cursed inwardly and rubbed my face harshly with both of my hands.

"What did you say??"

I snapped back at him. Pretending. Self-denial. Anything that you can name it. Hoping that it would hinder him from this interrogation session further.

"Nothing…"

"But since you always thinking of her, why don't you pay her a visit?"

Reuben asked me back which sound more like a piece of wise advice for me. The way he spelled it out was so casual with his indifferent facial. In contrary to my pounding mind that urges me a million times to teleport and see her immediately. But, my pride stubbornly holds my feet on where I'm standing now.

"I don't have to. She doesn't need me…'

I replied coldly.

"Are you sure, Aza?"

Ruben asked me again with his narrow eyes suspiciously.

"How if she met someone then? Someone who is nicer and kinder than you are? Someone who cares about her more than…"

Reuben hasn't finished his sentence when suddenly….

PLOP!!

...............

"….. you do?"

"Ah, he's gone again…"

Azalel had disappeared again, leaving him alone without any trace. Reuben inhaled and sighed heavily. Then, he tilted his head and look above.

"Azalel…"

"You probably didn't notice this…"

"But perhaps, you're….. in love?"

.....................

ILIYA NARA POV

"Sorry….I'm late…"

I apologized formally to the beautiful man who are sitting casually in the restaurant. I bet he has been here for a while before. And his choice for our lunch date wasn't ordinary either. A fancy one. The Haven.

This place is highly decorated in European style. Classy and elegant. A perfect match for high-class people like him and not me. I tried to dress up nicely. Wearing my best midi. But still, it's not par for this place. Even the waitress and waiter's uniform here was far much are better than my outfit. This place is very much unlikely for a low-lifer like me. Just standing her has made me extremely nervous.

While the man that I greeted just glanced at me and wore a gorgeous smile on his breathtakingly handsome face. A smile that always makes my heart pound loudly in my rib cage.

"It's doesn't matter, Miss Nara…"

"I'm glad you came.."

...........................….